Okay, so looks like I locked in a date (first!). She actually asked me out (wo!)

She is about a hour from where I am (Seattle), should I have her come up to seattle or is it better to drive to her? She lives in a small city, so the choices of restaurants are going to be limited.

I'm thinking of just driving down, then from there I can maybe hang out at her place when we're done eating since I'm still at my parents place till Jan.

The fact that her city is smaller is irrelevant. Get her to come to you cos it's the first time, and if she asked you out then you should expect her to be willing to travel. Besides, you know your way around where you live and will be able to take her to cool places instead of sitting across a table and talking over some boring meal down where she is.

I was just thinking, what if this girl is just trying to get a free dinner? Do you think we should split it on the first date or should I pay for it in full? Or is the general rule, guy pays for first date, then split on following dates?

There is no rule. She hasn't done shit to deserve a free meal, so split it. Dinner dates are boring though... hangout-type stuff is far more fun. Why don't you go out shopping or something?

I agree, going dutch (splitting) on the first date is 100% okay.
In fact, if you don't, it might come off as moving a bit too fast.
In fact, when I go out with one of my boyfriends, sometimes I'll pay, and we've been going out for 10 months, I can pay too, so why not?

I might suggest instead of her coming to you, maybe you go to her, then pick her up.
Solomon has a good point that you can show her around better in your city.
But if she asked you out, then you can expect her to come to you. But be ready that if she can't, you should offer to come pick her up.

And if it's the first date, defiantly suggest hanging out first.
Go to a mall or something and go shopping, then eat at a nice, casual restaurant there.

That's just my idea.

Cinnamon

I've another question, I pretty much know nothing about this girl other than what she looks like, age, and that she likes asian culture.

Since we're going on a date this upcoming week, should I learn more about her before our date or just wait till the date to find out more?

She said she wanted to drink and eat korean food, so what's a good twist beside just going to dinner + movie? My current idea: we go buy the marinated korean meat then get some korean liqour, eat at her place.

Okay, wait, so this is an online thing?

Yeah, I'd defiantly go for a low-key date then, go shopping and hang out first, you can learn a lot about her then.

Why do you know so little about her? How long have you known her?

have her come to you. Then from there you can drive her around. Hang out with her first. Get to know her more.
Your idea of buying the meat (Bulgogi*bo-go-gee*(sliced marinated beef) kibae*kai-bee*(short ribs)and the korean liqour(Soju). its a good idea but you can go either way. I'm pretty much know asian culture (i'm asian) so if you need further help feel free to msg me

1) get to know her first before you make any moves or buy stuff.

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I've been in a fair few mid/long-distance 'relationships'. I don't think it really matters, all things being equal, whether you go there or she comes to you for the first meet.... After the first time or two though (assuming you're going to see her more than a couple of times), you really do need to let her know that shes got to put some travelling work in as well, split the load - else you just lose all the balance in the relationship. No matter how well you game in person/phone/online, if you're doing all the running then she'll always have that kinda 'control' over you, and it'll be very difficult to maintain any kind of alpha status with her.

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